According to reports in the Sunday Mirror, Chelsea are planning to hijack Manchester United’s deal to sign Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata by offering £70m.

What’s the word, then?

Well, with Blues attacker Diego Costa edging towards the Stamford Bridge exit door after manager Antonio Conte text him to say that he wasn’t in his plans for next season, the Italian is looking for a replacement.

He wants to sign both Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Morata according to the report in the Sunday Mirror, even though the Daily Mail says the latter has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils as they look to find their own replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to launch a £70m offer for the Real star in a bid to tempt the Spaniard to move to London instead where he would link up with international teammates such as Pedro, Cesc Fabregas, Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.

Is Diego Costa definitely on his way out?

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It could be complicated.

The 28-year-old’s former club Atletico Madrid want him, but as they are currently subject to a transfer ban and unable to complete any deals until the January transfer window, Costa would have to remain at Stamford Bridge until then.

Conte’s text message to the striker has also knocked £10m off of his price tag according to the Sunday Mirror, with Atletico only willing to offer £26m plus add-ons.

Would Morata be a good signing?

He certainly would be.

As well as being a statement of intent if they could get him and fight off interest from Manchester United, they would be getting a player with a lot of potential to become a Premier League star.

The 24-year-old scored 20 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions for Real last season after returning to the Spanish giants from Juventus, helping them to win the La Liga title and the Champions League.

Will they beat United to his signing?

If they offer more money and United aren’t willing to match, then of course they could.

With Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho seemingly keen on the Spaniard though, it seems unlikely and the battle between the two clubs for Morata could rumble on.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, Chelsea need to back Conte after a disappointing start to their summer transfer business and getting Morata ahead of Manchester United would certainly cool the current tensions between the club and the manager.

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